ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 26: Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field during play against the Washington Redskins at Cowboys Stadium on September 26, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Last week, the NFL celebrated its long running tradition of “Black Monday”, a day which brings about a cleanse for some of the leagues worst football teams as they fire their head coaches. While it isn’t really a nice thing to celebrate someone losing their job (especially in this economy… I think. I don’t know), it can be a measure of hope for fans to know that someone was held accountable for their favourite teams struggles.

Whether justified or not.

But what if the leaders of these teams were held as accountable as the fellas on the sidelines? Wouldn’t that be something? In a world where Ken Whisenhunt is unemployed because his quarterbacks can’t throw the football, what if those QB’s were fired instead?

I for one think that several of these gentlemen should be exiled to the Island of Misfit Quarterbacks.

(At least they’ll have plenty of company)

And so I present a far off dream of mine: “Black Monday II: Quarterback Boogaloo”

1. Mark Sanchez – New York Jets

No surprise here if you’ve been reading “4th & Blog” this season (or you have two eyeballs and have seen him play). Mark Sanchez tops my list as someone who needs to go in New York. He has struggled ever since his rookie season, and watching him attempt to win football games has gotten depressing. The AFC championship game Jets of a few years ago were primarily held up by their brutal defense (in a good way) and their pitiful season this year can be attributed to their brutal (in a bad way) QB.

Video evidence: “The Butt Fumble”

2. Matt Cassel – Kansas City Chiefs

When Tom Brady went down for the season on the first drive of the year back in 2008, the Patriots turned to 4th-year backup Matt Cassel for help. The kid stepped up, and even though the Patriots won 11 games that year, they didn’t make the playoffs. I’m not even a Pats fan, but that was a joke. When Brady came back, Cassel used his impressive season to leverage a deal to be a starting QB in Kansas City. Sadly, years later it is painfully obvious that when given the keys to a Ferrari, he can drive it. When given the keys to a riding mower, he crashes into a ditch.

3. Michael Vick – Philadelphia Eagles

I don’t like Michael Vick, but when his career resurgence happened a few years ago in Philadelphia, I bit my tongue. One of the most explosive QB’s to ever play the game still had “it”, and the Eagles were a contender because of him. That was two years ago. Since then he has been beaten up repeatedly for his style of play, and it is clear to everyone outside of Michael Vick that he can’t continue being as effective if he is going to play the same style. That is just how it goes with “rushing QB’s”, and the oft-injured Vick should be a poster child for what can happen if you don’t evolve with your injuries.

4. John Skelton – Arizona Cardinals

Good lord, what a disaster the Arizona QB situation is. Kevin Kolb might still be a decent NFL pivot IF he can remain healthy and get a decent supporting cast, but as a Cards fan I’m ready to pull the plug on Skelton. The Redbirds started the year 4-0 and looked pretty dangerous (mostly thanks to their defense), but the bottom soon dropped out as they lost 8 in a row en route to a 5-11 finish. Skelton was 0-6 as a starter, and heads have already rolled in the desert. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt was fired on “Black Monday”, and in my mind he is the most talented coach who got clipped. Looking at his QB situation, the man should have been given another chance. Skelton has had his chance, and he should be following Coach Whiz out the door.

5. Carson Palmer – Oakland Raiders

I’m familiar with Carson Palmer due to the rivalry he had with the Steelers when he was a Bengal QB years ago (and one of the better throwers in the NFL). A tragic knee injury ruined his best season and he hasn’t been the same guy since. The Raiders paid a hefty price of draft picks to get Palmer last season, and even though he had initial success Oakland should be looking at other options. He is an aging, broken down shell of his former self and if he played for any other team he would be on the chopping block. Oakland seems to love having questionable QBs, so expect Palmer to be around for a while yet.

6. Tony Romo – Dallas Cowboys

Let me start off by saying this: Tony Romo is a good quarterback. He should definitely be a starter in the… just somewhere other than Dallas. The guy cannot escape the scrutiny that comes with leading “America’s Team” and it has become more and more apparent that in order for him to succeed, he needs to go. Living in Vancouver I see a lot of this when it comes to superstar goalie Roberto Luongo. The guy is a great player, but his mistakes (which are bound to happen in pro sports) are magnified to the point where it gets ridiculous. Romo had several embarrassing multi-interception games this season, and I think the best thing for Dallas (and more importantly Romo) is a fresh change of scenery.

Any of the teams above would be lucky to have him. Although if he goes to the Jets I suspect he’ll play one more season before he is run out of the NFL.

Or thrown as the case may be.

(Not laughing: Cardinals fans)

You can follow j.Bow on twitter (@jBowmancouver). Next week he will call out some kickers that need to be fired.

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